The Starter and The Expert

This was a small comic I did some time ago and never got around to finish it until today. I have heard some stories about rejected and failed art trades from artists, both the beginners and the experts. When I say beginners, I'm talking about those who are learning to draw, who are self taught and have little to no artistic training, who constantly show skills of improvements, changes of styles and new levels of techniques. The experts are those who had extended educating in the skills of art, who have published their works several times, who can make a living off of their art without issues and, who can create highly detail and eye catching illustrations at the drop of a hat, who are well known/respected throughout the fandom. The descriptions of beginners and experts are very hazy and not solid, and can be molded by anyone. I'm just setting a small example of what the title means.

An ART TRADE is someone who wishes to exchange a piece of artwork for another from an artist due to admiration or if money is an issue. The artist(a) adores artist(b)'s style so much that they would love to get an image from artist(b), but since money is an issue, the only thing that can be traded is their own art. Artist(a) asks artist(b) for an art trade of a certain theme or idea. If artist(b) has time for a trade and likes what artist(a) is drawing, a trade is performed. However, if artist(b) does not approve of the style or idea, artist(a) is rejected, mostly in a polite and dignified way. Now, I don't know how other artists feel about being rejected from doing an art trade with a popular artist, but I personally can tell you that it sometimes doesn't feel that good. I have been on both sides, (a) and (b). I have asked and I have rejected before.

I personally have favored artists in the fandom. I watch their art for years, faved and commented on their works. I marvel over what they can do and how fast they can create a piece of art in a matter of minutes. I watch them draw and create, using tools of the trade that I'm not mastered in or have no idea how to use. With those tools, they quickly create something that should be hung in museums ( I think personally ). I build up enough courage to ask them for an art trade. I link my work to them and await an answer. Sometimes its Yes or No.

* When they say yes, I feel very happy and over joyed that an artist that I have admired loves my style and want to exchange art with me.
* When they say yes, agreed on ideas and I for fill my part of the trade but they never do ( forgetting about it or anything else ), I feel a bit betrayed.
* When they say no and politely state that they have no time, I feel a bit sad, however I know that they could be busy or not interested. So I respect them for that. At least they were honest.
* When they say no and connect negativity towards my style, it becomes a bit personal.

I have been rejected from artists because they feel that "they would get the short end of the stick style-wise". In other words, they feel like my style or skills is not on the same level as their own. This makes me feel rejected, my self-essteme lowered and I too think that my own artwork is not good enough for anything. Other times, they personally attack my artwork and sometimes me as an artist ( rarely ).

It is not just me, but other artists have been through similar situations. No names are states, but they feel rejected and loose interest in drawing because of that. Someone they admired rejected their style without thinking about the artist themselves.

Being an artist means that you are also a motivator/inspiration to others, no matter what your skills are. Having people admire you for your work should NOT be taken lightly online or offline ( unless they are the kind of constantly bug you to the point of feeling uncomfortable and harassment ). Your fans and admirers are a big part of your artistic fuel. They push you, drive you and motivate you to continue to draw and get better, to reach new levels in your artistic life and carrier. If something happens to you, you know that they will be there to help you up and get you back on track. You create more and better pieces of art from their positive energies. You even surprise yourself in the results.

The last thing MOST ARTISTS wants to do is to disappoint his fans and supporters. They respect them as fellow artists and fans and wouldn't want to make them upset. But sometimes it can't be helped and some feelings do get hurt. OTHER ARTISTS don't have ANY connection to other artists that are not on their level of creativity except for those on the same level or higher. I know some artists like these. They talk down to you or make something sound very very simple to them when its not to you and ask you why it would be complicated, sounding like a monkey could do it, so why not you? Those who act that way don't really connect how some artists struggle to be at a certain point. Might be easier for the artist, but not for others who wish to be like the artist.

if you are an artist and someone wants to do an art trade for you, or draw for you, or ask advice, I suggest you do it. Something simple as an art trade does wonders to the other artist. It gives them motivation to keep growing on a personal level. You also have to think of yourself in THEIR shoes and how you would feel if you were in the same situation. If you CANT do the art trade or request, say that you cant POLITELY or TAKE A RAINCHECK. This doesn't hurt the other person and it shows that you respect them. You know how one admirer can make a difference in your artistic career and growth.


My own 2 cents. Some will agree. Others will disagree. This is just something I had to put out because I feel annoyed if an artist is being shut down just because of their level of creativity.



artwork © 2013 Alex Cockburn